Kitchen Apprentice Mercury Theatre

The Kitchen Apprentice will be part of the team that delivers exceptional food in our all-day café’s casual dining offer, this includes a wide selection of cakes, pastries, snacks and meals, alongside a range of teas, coffees, soft drinks and alcohol. Additionally, we will cater for conferences and special events at the theatre when required.

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 30 Jun 2023

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £14,508.00

    £7 per hour for the first 6 months rising to £8.50 per hour until the end of the apprenticeship

  • Working week

    Variable working days across the week, including weekends. One regular day a week will be designated as a study day. The theatres opening hours of 10:00am to 11:00pm Monday through Sunday.

    Total hours per week: 36

  • Expected duration

    12 Months

  • Possible start date

    16 Jul 2023

  • Date posted

    26 Apr 2023

  • Apprenticeship level

    Intermediate
    Level 2 (GCSE)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000154701

  • Positions

    1 available

What will the apprentice be doing?

The Kitchen Apprentice assists with food preparation and kitchen cleanliness to enable the kitchen to deliver catering for all events and activities across the Mercury’s programme, and to plan prepare, cook and present food to the highest standards.

Main Duties

  • Ensure all food is prepared, cooked and served to the highest standard under the direction of the Head Chef and Line Chef.
  • Follow menus to ensure adequate yield of foods and avoid waste.
  • Receive and store food deliveries properly.
  • Work with the hires team, and under the direction of the Head Chef and Line Chef, to provide excellent catering and buffet for conferencing and events.
  • Ability to apply portion control.
  • Maintain excellent standards of hygiene in kitchen at all times.
  • Maintain personal hygiene and ensure team members do the same.
  • Assist the Head Chef with the maintenance of all catering department stocks.

Health and Safety

  • Ensure Health and Safety and Food safety standards methods are adhered to by the department and report to management team as necessary on any issues identified.
  • Ensure risk assessments relevant to the kitchen are acted on.
  • Contribute to maintenance of a clean, tidy and safe working environment.
  • Maintain the hygiene of kitchen equipment and related areas.

General Duties

  • Manage time effectively meeting food preparation deadlines as directed by the Head Chef and Line Chef.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of the Mercury Theatre’s programme, including hire activities.
  • Undertake training as required.
  • Participate actively as a member of the Operations team.
  • Attend and contribute to staff meetings and training sessions.
  • Maintain positive and effective relationships with colleagues across the organisation.
  • Adhere to all Mercury Theatre policies included Safeguarding, Health and Safety, and environmental policies.
  • Maximise income and minimise expenditure whilst ensuring high quality delivery.
  • Adhere to all Mercury Theatre policies included Safeguarding, Health and Safety, and environmental policies.
  • Undertake any further duties as may be reasonably requested.

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

  • The Apprentice will be working towards the Level 2 Production Chef Apprenticeship Standard.
  • College attendance will be at the Colchester Institute - Colchester Campus one day per week during term time.

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

  • On successful completion of this apprenticeship you’ll be equipped to work in a variety of customer hospitality roles including: café bars, restaurants and coffee shops. You’ll have a clear understanding of what food preparation and good customer service is and how it can be applied to hospitality, retail and event environments.

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, Attention to detail, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Team working, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience, Enthusiasm and cheerfulness, Good timekeeping

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent maths and English (Grade 9-2/A*-E) Essential

Things to consider

Enthusiasm and cheerfulness are essential to gain the opportunity to join this friendly team. These posts will involve evening and weekend work and include extensive training opportunities.

About the employer

The Mercury is a great night out. We produce & present entertaining, thought provoking funny & lively theatre. We are a launchpad for talent & innovation. We have a 529 seat theatre, a 98 seat studio theatre, on-site workshop & wardrobe facilities, rehearsal rooms & creative learning studios and a fully renovated café bar and foyer. The Mercury is a significant local employer. We recently won Colchester Business Awards’ Business of the Year. We play a key leadership & strategic role in the cultural life in Essex & the wider area of East Anglia. It is the only full-time producing venue in Essex. Working at the Mercury you’ll be in a warm and friendly creative environment, We’re not just a theatre so alongside learning the ropes of working in the café bar you’ll be ushering shows, setting up events and conferences. As a member of the team, you’ll get 2 complimentary tickets to Mercury productions, access to a discounted staff food menu, discounts at the bar. You’ll also be able to access discounts to join some of our community activity classes. After 3 months you’ll be eligible to join the Mercury’s pension scheme.

Employer

Mercury Theatre

Address

BALKERNE GATE

COLCHESTER

ESSEX

CO1 1PT

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Training

Training provider

COLCHESTER INSTITUTE

Contact

Colchester Institute - Apprenticeship Team

ci.apprenticeships@colchester.ac.uk

01206 712043

Apprenticeship standard

Production chef

Level 2 (GCSE)

Employer's Application Instructions

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 30 Jun 2023